Ohio offers aid to 1,400 Mill's Pride workers

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland speaks during a gathering in Pike County as the state reacts to helping workers and families that will be displaced by the closing of Mill's Pride's cabinetry factory there.Ohio will award a $50,000 Rapid Response grant to assist workers in financial planning, stress management, layoff benefits and adult education and training.

"We are committed to helping the workers and families who will be impacted when these factories close," Strickland said. "This initial investment will provide workers with training and other resources while we continue working with local leaders to secure a buyer for this facility."

Last month, the parent company of Mill's Pride, Masco Corp., announced that it would close plants in Waverly and Seal Township, impacting more than 1,200 full-time workers and 200 temporary workers in Pike County and several surrounding counties. Ohio's Workforce System, including the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Rapid Response Unit, is in Pike County to serve the employees impacted by providing financial planning, stress management, layoff benefits, and adult education and training.

The $50,000 Rapid Resource grant, administered by ODJFS, will allow the unit to work with local economic development professionals to provide assistance to the community and impacted employees.

"We encourage the Mill's Pride employees to visit their local one-stop center, Workforce Connections, and take advantage of the career services provided to maximize their options," ODJFS Director Doug Lumpkin said.